Asunción Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Asunción, the capital and largest city of Paraguay, is served by one main international airport. As the primary aviation gateway to this landlocked South American nation, it connects Paraguay to key regional hubs and a limited number of intercontinental destinations. This guide explains the airport’s layout, transport options, and essential tips for travellers visiting this historic city on the banks of the Paraguay River.

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU)

Overview: Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (IATA: ASU) is the main international gateway to Paraguay. Named after a pioneering Paraguayan aviator, it is located in the city of Luque, approximately 15 km (9 miles) northeast of downtown Asunción. The airport is the hub for the national carrier, LATAM Paraguay, and handles the majority of the country’s international and domestic air traffic.

Terminals:

• Single, Integrated Terminal: The airport operates from one main terminal building that handles both international and domestic arrivals and departures. The facility has undergone renovations but remains relatively modest in size compared to major regional hubs.
• Layout: The terminal is straightforward. The upper level houses check-in counters and departures, while the lower level is for arrivals (baggage claim) and ground transportation. Gates are within easy walking distance.

Key Point: The airport is functional but can feel crowded during peak arrival/departure times for regional flights to São Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Santiago.

Getting to and from Asunción City Centre:

• Official Airport Taxis (Most Common):
  The most straightforward option. Official taxis (usually white with airport identification) are available outside the arrivals hall. Important: Fares are not metered for the airport-city trip. You must negotiate the price before getting in the taxi. Expect to pay around 150,000 – 250,000 PYG (approx. $20-$35 USD) for the 30-45 minute journey to the city centre (centro), depending on traffic and your negotiation skills. Agree on the price in Guaraníes or US Dollars clearly.
• Ride-Hailing (Uber & Bolt):
  Uber and Bolt operate in Asunción and are often the best-value and most transparent option. Using the app provides a fixed price and avoids negotiation. Pickup is at a designated area outside arrivals. This is highly recommended.
• Pre-Booked Private Transfers:
  Many hotels and local tour operators offer private transfer services. This provides certainty, as a driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a sign. Prices are comparable to or slightly higher than negotiated taxis.
• Car Rental:
  Major international (Hertz, Avis, Localiza) and local car rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall. Driving in Asunción requires caution due to unpredictable traffic patterns, but a car is useful for exploring the countryside.
• Public Bus (Línea 30-A – “Aeropuerto”):
  Public bus route 30-A “Aeropuerto” provides a very economical connection between the airport and the centre of Asunción, terminating at the Terminal de Ómnibus (main bus station). The fare is extremely low (a few thousand Guaraníes). However, buses can be slow, crowded, and not practical for travellers with more than hand luggage. This is an option for very budget-conscious, experienced travellers.

Best for: All international and domestic travellers visiting Asunción or connecting to other destinations in Paraguay.

Other Aviation Facilities

Ñu Guazú Air Base: A military airfield located near the international airport, not used for commercial passenger traffic.

No Secondary Commercial Airport: Asunción does not have a second airport for scheduled flights. All commercial traffic uses Silvio Pettirossi (ASU).

Transiting Through Silvio Pettirossi International Airport

ASU is primarily a destination airport, but some regional connections (e.g., from São Paulo to Santa Cruz, Bolivia) may involve a transit.

For International to Domestic Transits: You must clear Paraguayan immigration, collect baggage, clear customs, and then re-check in for your domestic flight. Allow at least 2.5 hours for this process.

For International to International Transits (Rare): If on a single ticket, you may be able to transit without clearing immigration. Confirm with airline staff upon arrival.

Facilities: The terminal offers basic amenities: a few cafes and snack bars, duty-free shopping (for international departures), souvenir shops, ATMs, and free WiFi (may be limited). Lounge facilities are very limited; the VIP Lounge is available for business class passengers or via paid entry.

Essential Information for Travellers

Visa & Entry: Citizens of many countries (including the US, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, Brazil, Argentina) do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. You will receive an entry stamp upon arrival.

Currency: The Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG) is the local currency. It is a closed currency, meaning you cannot obtain it outside Paraguay. Exchange money at the airport bank counters or use ATMs in the arrivals hall to withdraw local currency. Have cash (Guaraníes or USD) for your taxi. US Dollars are sometimes accepted but not universally. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants in Asunción.

SIM Cards: Purchasing a local SIM card (from Tigo, Claro, or Personal) at the airport upon arrival is recommended for data and using ride-hailing apps. Kiosks may be available in the arrivals hall or just outside.

Language: The official languages are Spanish and Guaraní. Spanish is essential for communication; English is not widely spoken outside major hotels and tourist businesses.

Arrival Process (International):

1. Disembark and proceed to immigration.
2. Present passport. You may be asked about the purpose of your visit and accommodation.
3. Collect baggage.
4. Pass through customs. All luggage is scanned on an X-ray belt. Be prepared to declare any items of value or large quantities of goods.
5. Exit into the public arrivals hall.

Departure Tip: For international flights, arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. Check-in and immigration lines can be slow. For domestic flights, 2 hours is recommended. There is an airport departure tax, but it is almost always included in the price of your airline ticket.

Primary Transport Warning: The most important task upon arrival is securing reliable transport. Using Uber/Bolt or pre-booking a transfer is strongly recommended over negotiating with taxi drivers, which can be stressful and lead to overcharging.

Bottom line: Your key focus upon arrival at Silvio Pettirossi should be arranging transport. Having a local SIM card to use Uber/Bolt or a pre-arranged driver is the best strategy. Have some local currency (Guaraníes) from the ATM for initial expenses. The city centre is a manageable distance away, and traffic is the main variable for journey time.